Mudryk return has been officially cleared, marking a significant development for Chelsea as the Ukrainian winger is set to rejoin competitive football after nearly two years on the sidelines.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed he was ready to play immediately after the issue of his doping case was resolved, after the 23-year-old was handed an immediate suspension. The English FA (EFA) ended their disciplinary hearing, in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and permitted Mudryk to return to his professional career without any further restrictions.
Mudryk last played for Chelsea in November 2024 when he tested positive for the provisionals. He has since trained on his own, not being part of the club’s active team. Now his reintegration comes as both a challenge and a risk to Chelsea’s attacking line up.
Alonso, who played in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney last week, has said that the move is “very much” a human and sporting gesture. The manager said the first priority is to get Mudryk back into the team in the right mindset, as he has not played many games, and add him to the team in the right manner on a tactical level.
As far as squad management is concerned, the signing of Mudryk brings in another attacking wide player, but also some queries about his match fitness, rhythm and where he will fit in to the system at Chelsea. The club should evaluate his condition during the current pre-season trip, which is to be followed by the player’s arrival in Hong Kong.
It is a structural problem that needs to be addressed – getting players back in the game after they’ve been cleared of regulation vs. getting them game-ready for a high-intensity league.
